First Conference Cumbria a huge success in Workington
Over 100 delegates from businesses around the county came to Energus in Workington on Tuesday 3rd October for Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and Cumbria Business Growth Hub’s first annual Conference Cumbria.
The day started with a presentation from Teresa Griffiths CBE who recounted her impressive, 27-year-long career in the RAF, during which she rose to the rank of Group Captain and was responsible for the planning of medical operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans. Teresa layered her story with fascinating insights on leadership, touching on the importance of having a strong moral compass, compassion and followership.
Image: Brian Austwick Photography
After the interval, the audience took their seats again for the panel discussion which featured local business leaders: Colin Sneath (A Day’s Walk Farm Shop), Emma Sherlock (Stan Sherlock Associates), Caroline Hughes (The Melbreak Hotel), and John Coughlan (Workington Town Deal Board). The group talked on the conference theme of ‘raise your game’, discussing their career goals, staying motivated, time management, pushing their limits and motivating employees.
Image: Brian Austwick Photography
After lunch, our keynote speaker Geoff Ramm took to the stage. Geoff’s talk was on customer service and how to get ahead of the competition by delivering what he calls ‘Celebrity Service.’ With so many interesting anecdotes, examples, top tips and humour, Geoff had the audience on the edge of their seats for his entire two-and-a-half-hours!
Image: Brian Austwick Photography
During the interval and at lunch, attendees networked and browsed the businesses on display in the exhibition hall. Exhibitors included our event sponsors: Stagecoach, Go Low Carbon, Leo Group Ltd, Cumbria Tourism, Westmorland & Furness Council, Cumberland Council and Dodd & Co, as well as other businesses in a range of sectors including business services, marketing and PR, training and IT.
Head of Business Support at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Lesley Robinson said:
“We’re delighted with the success of our first Conference Cumbria! The feedback from attendees at the conference and on LinkedIn afterwards has been really positive with many noting the quality of the speakers and brilliant atmosphere. In the end, that makes it all worth it as our aim for Conference Cumbria is to inspire individuals and provide local businesses with the tools they need to raise their game! We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Conference Cumbria 2024 in a year’s time!”
© Cumbria Chamber of Commerce